Release of Ramones Documentary Indefinitely Postponed

The tension between the members of the Ramones was never much of a secret, but what the public didn't know were the intimate details of the often tumultuous relationships that were found within the band. With the beginning of the millennium came the documentary 'End of the Century' and a chance for an inside glimpse into the world of the Ramones. The documentary was shown at film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival, and was received well by the audiences which included the likes of Nicholas Cage, Adrien Brody, and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. When a film creates such buzz, it's not long before the general public wants to get their hands on it.

It looks as if that might never happen, for 'End of the Century' may never see a release date. Michael Gramaglia and Jim Fields, the makers of the film, have spent more than seven years collecting and editing footage of the forefathers of punk and may never see a profit from all of their time and effort. Much more likely they will lose a large amount of their own money paying off the debts they accumulated during the making of the film. This is the main reason the documentary has not been given a release date. The filmmakers haven't the funds to buy the rights to the footage they used in 'End of the Century'.

Such a sorry reason why the public is denied access to a film that allows the full story of the dysfunction and resulting brilliance of the Ramones to be known. The documentary focuses on the dynamics of the band, including the 15 year silence between Johnny and Joey Ramone and the addictions that plagued the band from the start; an interesting topic, for sure.

With some more negotiations between the big rig movie corporations and the small time filmmakers, 'End of the Century' may appear just yet for your own viewing pleasure sometime this summer.